A Change.org petition bluntly asking Penn State to send its freshmen home for the semester has gained nearly 2,500 signatures.

The petition was created shortly after viral videos surfaced appearing to show rowdy groups of students, some of whom were likely freshmen, partying outside East Halls Wednesday night. The largely maskless crowd appeared to be dancing, shouting, playing music, and twerking, apparently.

penn state should’ve made all freshmen do classes remotely this semester idc pic.twitter.com/KKz06E2gfn

— Madison (@madiisonlb) August 20, 2020

“They really partied the first week. The upperclassmen do not wanna go home,” petition organizer Henrique Marchi wrote. “So if you act up, you pack up.”

The crowds eventually dispersed later that night, according to a video obtained by Onward State. Still, many petition signers weren’t thrilled with students’ first impressions after just three days on campus.

“It’s absolutely disgusting to see our school being represented by immature children,” one petition signer said.

“[I] literally moved in yesterday and followed instructions to a T,” another signer, presumably a freshman, wrote. “It’s embarrassing the rest of my year can’t do the same.”

The university previously stated masks must be worn at all times indoors and on campus when social distancing can’t be achieved. Additionally, large gatherings are prohibited. Penn State said it could take disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion, against those who fail to comply, although it hasn’t detailed how exactly those measures would actually be enforced.

Penn State and its police department didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday on the videos and reported gatherings.

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